Shaving is a daily part of many
men’s life. Depending on the situation, this habit can either be a
nuisance, or it can be a relaxing and enjoyable part of the day. One of
the best ways to have an enjoyable shave is to be sure that you have
good quality materials. A good double-edged safety razor or a badger
hair shaving brush can make all the difference not to mention the
importance of a good shaving cream or soap!
Shave Brush
The modern shave brush used today was first developed in France. As
more and more men began shaving themselves (instead of going to the
barber), shaving brushes became more and more popular. Shave brushes are
first and foremost used to apply shaving soap or cream before the
shave. However, a good shave brush also exfoliates the skin, softens
whiskers, and lifts facial hair as to avoid razor burn and cuts. A good
shaving brush is determined by how much water the bristles can hold
because more moisture results in a richer lather. Additionally, a good
shave brush feels firm, but not prickly on the skin. And finally,
because shaving brushes help lift facial hair, a good shave brush will
help you get a closer shave and can help your razor stay sharper longer.
Handle
There are two main parts to the shave brush: the handle, and the
bristles. The quality of each part can vary greatly as will the cost. It
is important to understand your options before making a purchase. While
the quality of the bristles can make a huge difference in the quality
of the shave, the handle is a different matter. Historically, and even
today, the quality of the handle is a status symbol. Handles can be made
out of many different materials. While the cheapest and most commonly
used materials are synthetic (plastic, nylon, and urethane), other more
exotic (and expensive!) materials are also available including wood,
ivory, gold, silver, tortoise shell, crystal, and porcelain.
Additionally, some handles even have intricate designs carved into them
to enhance appearance.
Bristles
Of course, the most important part of the shave brush is the bristle
load. The cost and quality of the brush are foremost determined by its
bristles. The best and most expensive type of bristles used is badger
hair which is what traditional French shave brushes were made from.
Other types of bristles include synthetic, horse hair, and boar hair;
all of which cost less than a
badger hair shavingbrush.
There are four different types of badger bristles. Pure badger hair is
the most common and least expensive. Though quality can still vary,
these bristles are most often more coarse and rougher than the other
types. The next type is best badger hair which is longer, finer, more
pliable, and more expensive than pure. Super badger bristles are next in
both quality and cost; they will not be prickly or rough on the skin.
Silvertip bristles are the most expensive and finest available. The tips
are naturally white and the bristles provide the best exfoliation and
lather due to their ability to retain a large amount of water.
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